RIM's next BlackBerry Internet Service update detailed?

Polish site bbnews.pl has published what looks to be the release notes for RIM’s BlackBerry Internet Services version 3.2. Some of the highlights in the new version include: synchronization with Google Calendar, Improved BIS password security, corrected automatic login, improved WAP interface, re-validation of Windows Live accounts, and added Administration Tool functionality for carrier administrators. We’ve got the detailed list ready for your scrutiny after the break. Let us know what you think.

Google Calendar Synchronization

Wireless calendar synchronization with Google Calendar is a feature developed by RIM that allows users to synchronize their device Calendar with their Google webmail Calendar. Synchronization is two-way, meaning users can add, edit, or delete information on the desktop or the device and the info is wirelessly updated respectively. Synchronization with Google Calendar is done wirelessly over the air, meaning users will not have to physically connect their devices to their computers.

If the BlackBerry smartphone is also associated with an email account that uses a BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, the Calendar application on the device will contain entries from both the Google Calendar account and Calendar entries from the email account that uses the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Users cannot synchronize Calendar entries from the account that uses the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and their Google webmail Calendar.

Additionally, Field and Status mapping differences exist between what appears on the device calendar vs. what will appear on the Google Calendar, such as pop-up reminders, which the only reminder type supported with sync (Google Calendar allows for additional options such as SMS reminders). If there are multiple reminders scheduled (which is a Google Calendar option), the reminder closest to the event is the only reminder synchronized with the device.

Enhanced Security

For increased user security, users will now be required to follow a more stringent password policy when setting up (or changing) their BIS account password. With the BIS 3.2 release user passwords are required to be 8-16 characters in place and contain a mix of upper and lower case characters as well as numbers. Previously the policy was that passwords only had to be a minimum of 6 characters.

These new password requirements will help to ensure that email user accounts are not compromised, particularly when an account is being set-up by a carrier representative that may use very basic passwords when setting up a user’s account that, for obvious reasons, may be accidentally duplicated (i.e. password).

Automatic Login Improvements

As part of BIS 3.2, the existing Automatic Login functionality will be updated for an improved experience for users who have a username and password. Previously, BIS users who had a username and password were prompted to enter their credentials whenever they accessed their BIS account from their device. Customers often forgot their credentials, which drove support calls. In BIS 3.2, users who access their BIS account using a username and password on their device without the email setup application (devices running 4.6 handheld software or earlier) will be automatically logged into their BIS account, thus eliminating the need for a user to enter their credentials. This will provide an improved experience for BIS users, and help reduce calls related to forgotten BIS account credentials by extending the Automatic Login behaviour to username/password users.

Note: Users who have a BlackBerry hosted email address (@.blackberry.com), and currently do not have a password assigned to this email address will use their BIS account password for validation actions.

Once BIS 3.2 is released, the user will have to enter their BIS account password (justinBB123) when they make changes to their hosted email address from their device.

*At this time, users who have a username and password and access their BIS account from their BlackBerry using the email setup application will not be affected. The email setup application allows a BIS user to remember their credentials, which also helps eliminate the need for users to remember their credentials

User Interface Changes

Previously, WAP users were not able to view the password for their integrated accounts when switching to a new BlackBerry handheld. In BIS 3.2, WAP users can now display the password, which will help users ensure they are typing the correct password when validating the email address prior to completing the device change process.
1) After insert the SIM card into the new device and selecting ‘Email Settings’, the user is prompted to move their email accounts over to their new device:
2) Selecting ‘Show Password’ will display the password for all the accounts to be validated.

Windows Live Hotmail Revalidation

Currently, users who have integrated a Windows Live Hotmail email address (and are using the MSN/MSP protocol) are required to revalidate their email account every 360 days. Currently, users receive a direct email from BIS 3 days prior to their token expiration, informing them of the need to revalidate their account (and providing instructions).

In BIS 3.2 an additional email will be sent to users 1 day prior to their token expiration with the same message that will link to a KB article with written and video instructions for how to revalidate their account

*Does not apply to users who have integrated a Windows Live Hotmail email address and use the POP protocol

BlackBerry Email Administration Tool

As part of BIS 3.2, carrier administrators will now be able to perform BlackBerry Protect remote administration commands from within the BlackBerry Email Administration console. The four BlackBerry Protect functions that carrier administrators will be able to perform on behalf of BlackBerry users (who have a BlackBerry Protect account) are: activate a loud ring on the user’s device, lock the user’s device, create a message that will be displayed on the main screen of the user’s device and backup the information on the user’s device:

Loud Ring

Makes the device ring for 1 minute

Sets the device profile to “Loud”

Display Message

Allows a carrier administrator to update the homes screen of the BlackBerry to display a message. i.e. If found, please contact me at 123-456-7890

Lock Device

If a password is already set on the BlackBerry, carrier administrators will be able to lock the device using the existing password

If a password is not set, carrier administrators will be able to lock the device using an automatically generate a new password. The user will be able to retrieve the new password by logging in to BlackBerry Protect website.

Back Up Device

Initiates a backup of all supported BlackBerry Protect data

Requirements:

The end user must already have BlackBerry Protect installed and be logged in on their device for these features to be available in the BlackBerry Email Administration console.

English is one of the world’s most popular languages, and most school curriculum make their students learn English in other countries, so I think that was a pretty asinine comment. You would be surprised of how many people speak fluent English in most foreign, non-English countries.

Will

It was a joke….read the news much? geez.

Chris

“Wireless calendar synchronization with Google Calendar is a feature developed by RIM that allows users to synchronize their device Calendar with their Google webmail Calendar.”

Developed by RIM? Pretty sure my iPhone has always had this ability…

Randy Roo

Okay bucko… im pretty sure this means that RIM developped it for use on the Blackberry system to work best with their hardware, not that they created the concept and all itterations of it implementation.

Just like there are many manufacturers of wheels out there, they all built their own version, but none are claiming to have invented it.

And just like there are many manufacturers of cel phones, Apple is another manufacturer who botched an antenna design, however they are not the only ones out there who may have poor reception issues.

Joe

they need to f’in fix the bs that they call “2way sync” for gmail. syc of having 1.5 way sync.

Joe

syc= sick*

MattP

What problems do you have, it works fine on the Bold 9700.

blkrabb1t

Isn’t there an additional charge for having a BES account?

Smarter Perspective

you can get BES for free it is called BES Express.

so yes there is an extra charge but you can get a pared down mobility management suite for free.

Lee

How about get gmail sync working before worrying about the calendar. I have google sync for that already.

WB

AMEN to that!!!

MattP

Gmail sync using imap works fine.

My problem is calendar sync with g-sync.

If the event is e-mailed to my wife, the event duplicates every time.

If it is setup from the BB or GCal, it works fine.

Chris

I really hope this gives me the ability to sync 2 gmail calendars.

Max

Who gives a rip about RIM. It’s a dead platform on a dying handset.

Elias C.

Oh yeah, totally. Except for the millions of users. Other then that, its dead. Good grief people, get over yourselves. Just because its not Android or iOS doesn’t mean its dead. Yes, BB needs to work quickly or more clearly define what type of manufacturer they are…but either way, still not dead.

Jon

You ever figure out what ram actually is?

MobileNick

Google calendar sync would be sweet if they can stop the stupid 4 week delete thing that Google Sync does!

Tony

Why are they adding calendar sync when they can’t even get the contact sync working? RIM=FAIL. I just fucking bought my BlackBerry in March, and it’s already going to be outdated without OS 6. Way to look out for your customers, assholes.

crazylegs

So I guess once you buy a device, RIM should stop all development of any new products and services? Yeah, that makes sense… If you bought a nice new iPhone in March, you would have the same exact issue.

Tony

When did I say they should stop developing new devices? All I want is for my almost brand new, $389 phone to be updated in line with the rest of them. If it were over a year old, I wouldn’t even care. AFAIK, the Curve 2 isn’t even getting the new browser. That’s total bullshit. At least with the iPhone you can upgrade to the latest software.

John

You’re an idiot. Don’t buy a low end BlackBerry and expect to receive the new operating system that consists of MAJOR upgrades. If you thought your low end Curve is going to support a MAJOR upgrade, then you’re a biiiiig foool. If you did not like your phone the way it came, then you should not have bought it. Fucking moron.

Tony

Fuck you dude. I spent the money, and I have every right to be mad. The least they could do is upgrade the browser. Go fuck yourself.

Randy

I agree with John but I also see the plight of someone who buys a brand new phone without having any clue as to whats around the corner. Unfortunately there is always going to be this effect on consumers, however it is more noticeable on Blackberry as they have multiple models out.

Take the original Bold, look how long it took the 9700 to come out after the bold 9000 was released. I am sure that although there is a Bold refresh coming, it is due to the new OS and not that RIM is purposely trying to screw people. However, it is still a fact that thousands of people WILL feel screwed from this necessary change.

ohmy

Cool
When does it come out?

Bad@$$

Ohhhhhhhhh hell yeahhhhhhhhhhh bitchhhh

es

RIMM is bad at syncing with google calendar, email and contact. Apple does sync better

Mark

It’d be nice if you could sort the inbox like on outlook – by name, by date, etc.